Technology Fellow: AI and Philanthropy

Responsibilities

• Help Foundation staff examine the role of technology in advancing organizational objectives.
• Inform development of technology strategies within program and/or operations areas, and conducting landscape research.
• Design and curate hands-on trainings, workshops, and learning sessions for Foundation staff to build practical familiarity with AI tools and practices and help staff critically assess their value and efficacy.
• Develop accessible documentation and guides on mission aligned AI experimentation for Foundation staff.
• Serve as an internal technology advisory resource on how philanthropy and the nonprofit sector are experimenting with AI in ways that respect and advance mission.
• In collaboration with the Tech and Society team, develop learning sessions and training for foundation staff about the intersections of social justice and technology.
• Support the Technology and Society Director on other Foundation priorities.

Skillset

• Minimum 7 years working within public interest, government, civil society, or commercial technology sectors.
• Baccalaureate degree in related field or relevant and equivalent experience.
• Demonstrated sociotechnical expertise in artificial intelligence and related technologies, including understanding the practical applications of machine learning systems, generative AI, and their societal implications.
• Ability to critically evaluate and assess the practical application of AI and related technologies within social change organizations, particularly regarding usefulness, effectiveness, security, and potential social and environmental impact.
• Experience in understanding the technical needs of mission driven organizations, and collaboratively designing technical solutions to advance organizational mission and strategy.
• Experience designing, implementing, or supporting AI applications and tools in a complex, global setting.
• Strong strategic communication skills, including the ability to collaborate with and articulate the potential roles and importance of technology to diverse audiences.
• Experience working with diverse individuals across civil society, government, and the private sector.
• Familiarity with information and communication technologies specifically designed to serve the public interest.
• Ability to evaluate existing and emerging technologies for usefulness, effectiveness, security risks, and potential alignment with Ford’s programmatic work.
• Excellent analytical, writing, oral presentation, information curation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to handle confidential issues with appropriate discretion.
• Action-oriented, disciplined, and self-motivated; highly comfortable working both independently and collaboratively with diverse teams.
• Demonstrates humility, a capacity for self-reflection, and a sense of humor.
• Ways of working and engaging that aligns with the Foundation’s mission, core values and commitment to creating a culture of excellence.
• Willingness to work in New York City.